Around this time last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I immediately began the journey through biopsies, surgery, radiation, and into a 5-year treatment with medication and followup.  Just before being diagnosed, I was ready to finish proofing the second in the Kroopenpopper series, but once I knew what lay ahead of me, I stalled in the editing process.  Now that I've worked my way through a long and tiring spring and summer, I'm full of energy again and have begun the endless search for typographical errors, missing commas, etc. -- all that is involved in the final editing process.   More importantly, Pattie Tedesco Jones, my incredible illustrator, has begun the task of bringing the second Kroopenpopper story to life.  Although we didn't get to print in time for 2010 Christmas giving, we hopefully will be announcing the new book before Christmas 2011. 

In the meantime, I've become more conscious than ever of just how many women (and men) are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and I'll do whatever way I can to assure that every woman is screened for this dreaded disease. 

People often ask about what makes a really fun children's book.  I think that a few magical elements such as fantasy and fright, combined with a plot line that is easy to understand, will entertain children of all ages.  Throw in a little educational material -- such as facts about the Everglades -- and that's a real plus.

Kroopenpopper-An Everglades Adventure has been well received in Florida and elsewhere.  Many thanks to the many grandparents, parents, and children who have enjoyed this new series and who anxiously await the release of the next adventure. 

Kroopenpopper - An Adventure Starring Squeasel the Weasel, Tiny Jim, and Queen Davinia

It looks like the Kroopenpoppers have decided to stay in the Everglades a little longer, just in time to meet Tiny Jim, and to have an unexpected adventure with a nasty weasel named Squeasel, and Davinia, Queen of all Fairies in the land of Narruc on the planet Reyas. 

Copies of the Kroopenpopper - An Everglades Adventure can be purchased at the vendors listed here directly or by emailing:  MoSonpub@gmail.com or virginiasaalman@gmail.com.